Amid budget shortfalls, employees get raises

Amanda Baumfeld reports that Montebello city employees are giving a 10 percent salary increase to all its employees. At a time when there are budget shortfalls reported up and down the state, do you think it is an appropriate time to be handing out raises?

MONTEBELLO - The city has given a 10 percent salary increase to all its employees. Union representatives said they are satisfied with the increase but believe employee pay is still low compared with surrounding cities.

"It's great, instead of being paid 30 percent under market they are only getting 20 percent under market," said Robin Nahin, an attorney with the city employees' association.

The City Council approved the salary increase and an increase in benefits for the Montebello Fire Association, the Montebello Police Officer's Association and the Montebello Bus Operators Association, among others, last week. Read more